Hermano da Silva Ramos

Hermano João 'Nano' da Silva Ramos (7 December 1925 - Present): Racing driver of dual French-Brazilian nationality from Paris, born to a French mother and Brazilian father. Participated in seven Formula One World Championship Grands Prix from 1955 to 1956, scoring two championship points during his brief grand prix career. Made his Formula One debut in 1955 with Gordini, competing in three Grands Prix for the patriotic French team during their final years of Formula One competition. Scored his two career championship points during the 1955 season with Gordini, achieving his best results during his first year in Formula One.

Continued with Gordini for 1956, competing in four additional Grands Prix as the team struggled with increasingly uncompetitive machinery. Finished 21st in the 1956 World Drivers' Championship standings, his best championship position across his two seasons of grand prix racing. In 1959, attempted a Formula One comeback, hired by Scuderia Centro-Sud to drive a Maserati 250F in world championship events. Also in 1959, received a prestigious invitation from Enzo Ferrari to join Ferrari's sports car racing squad, demonstrating the Italian team's confidence in his abilities.

Selected to share a Ferrari TR59 at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans with the legendary Jean Behra, partnering one of the era's greatest drivers. The 1959 Le Mans race proved to be da Silva Ramos' final competition, as he was faced with family problems requiring him to retire from racing permanently. Decided to hang up his helmet for good at age 33, prioritizing family responsibilities over his motorsport career. Following the death of American driver Paul Goldsmith on 6 September 2024, da Silva Ramos became the oldest living former driver to have competed in a Formula One World Championship round.

As of 2025, at age 99, remains the last living participant of the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the race's most significant editions. His extraordinary longevity has made him an increasingly rare connection to 1950s Formula One and sports car racing, remembering an era when Gordini competed in grands prix and drivers raced for multiple manufacturers. Known for his smooth driving style and professionalism, da Silva Ramos represented the international character of 1950s motorsport when drivers of various nationalities competed across European championships.